September 2018 Volume 49, Issue #7
THREE
Victoria
Orchid Society
2018 Meetings: Inside this issue: Fall 2 President’s Message September 24th 2 Upcoming Events October 22nd 3 Past Events November 26th 4 Open greenhouses . 5 Judging news 7 Minutes of the June meeting 8 Minutes of the AGM Members with last 9 Society Information names starting with
10 Reminders & Opportunities N, O & R are Classifieds asked to bring . 11-13 What’s in bloom at goodies for the the Muttart September meeting.
This eccentric looking orchid, Psychopsis Kalihi ‘Big’ BM/JOGA grown by Diana Rowles, was voted the best plant on the display table at the June
meeting .
From the Editor Welcome to the new Victoria Orchid Society year of 2018/2019. There will be a number of changes as various tasks are redistributed within the Society. The website, previously managed by Blair Humphrey and Diana Rowles, is now in the care of Melanie Norris and will be more closely tied to the VicOS Facebook. This newsletter will not be available from the web any more, but will still be distributed by email to all members and other orchid societies.
Dracula bella We have a number of new Directors, elected at the AGM in June and several members of the Executive are taking a well-earned rest. See the Society Information Section on Page 9.
Contributions to the newsletter can be made up to 14 days before the next meeting date by contacting me by phone or email. (250-385-8888 or [email protected]).
Logo photo D. Rowles
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President’s Message
Welcome back to the Fall session of the Society. I hope everyone had a great summer with not too many breathing problems from all that smoke. Many thanks to those members who were kind enough to allow inspection of their greenhouses at the open houses. We certainly found an interesting variety of possibilities for growing orchids. We also had a marvelous barbecue this summer thanks to Bryan and his helpers. John Taylor
My project this summer was repotting my collection, which I am still Fall 2018 working at. This is an important maintenance procedure and, I am ashamed to say, I have somewhat neglected it over the last year or so. It is actually September 24th – H&R Orchids quite rewarding to get one’s hands on each plant, one at a time, and find from Hawaii - new buds and signs of growth. Inevitably, too, signs of slug/snail damage, October 22nd – Hengduan the ubiquitous presence of scale and all the other infections that orchids Orchids November 26th – TBA are heir to – but with close examination something can often be done. December 10th – Xmas Party I suspect that what separates the good growers from the poor growers is the ability to do this kind of examination on a very regular basis – I need to work on that! And regular repotting! It is shaming to find a nice Cattleya failing, and realize it is because the bark in the bottom half of the pot has turned to muck.
There are a number of interesting talks lined up for the next sessions. In September the speaker is Roy Tokunaga from H & R Nurseries (Oahu) speaking on Dendrobiums. H & R is a great source for orchids and I have grown a number of excellent plants from them. Hopefully, interested members had a chance to go through their catalogue and put in a pre-order, but possibly there will be extras available. H & R’s selection is heavy on the Cattleya alliance and, not surprisingly, Dendrobiums. Dendrobium is the second largest orchid genus after Bulbophyllum with over 1000 species and a very wide distribution. There is at least one famous hybrid named Dendrobium Roy Tokunaga, a hybrid between Den. atroviolaceum and Den. johnsoniae.
Be sure to look at the new Victoria Orchid Society website. It’s excellent. Thanks, Melanie. John Taylor Upcoming Events:
The monthly meeting of the Victoria Orchid Society is held on the fourth Monday of every month except July, August and December, starting at 7:30 p.m. The plants on the display table are presented by experts, followed by a short business meeting, a coffee break with a prize draw of plants and orchid related material, and a featured presentation. The meeting ends at about 10:00 p.m. Often there is a pre- meeting workshop or Question & Answer session from 6:45-7:30 p.m. The September pre-workshop is not yet confirmed.
September 24thgeneral meeting - Roy Tokunaga of H&R Orchids in Hawaii will speak on Dendrobium orchids. H&R Orchid Nurseries – Waimanalo, Hawaii are known throughout the orchid growing world for their excellently grown plants, new & innovative orchid hybrids and rare & unusual species. Roy will speak on the topic of Dendrobium orchids, a genus which contains an astonishing variety of plants. He will be bringing pre-orders for those who have been swift enough to order ahead, but he will also be bringing extra plants for sale. A great start to the Society’s new season.
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Past Events June 25th General Meeting: Sasha Kubicek gave a very interesting presentation on the" World Slipper Orchid Conference 2018 in Hilo, Hawaii", with some great pictures and interesting insights to the Paphiopedilum growers of Hawaii.
July 25th- Celebration of Life for D.A. Evans
A memorial service was held for long time member D.A. Evans at the Sands Funeral Home. A lovely display of orchids was put together by Ingrid Ostrander. Flowers for the display were provided by Alida Bower, Joe Chow, Bryan Emery, Poul Hansen, Don Mills, Svend Munkholm, Henk Oudt, Lioba Samer and Pat & Cathy van Adrichem.
Ingrid would like to thank all of these generous members, especially Svend Munkholm who kindly helped her during the set-up.
August 12th - VicOS Summer Barbecue
Bryan and Chris have, once again, hosted the summer barbecue in their beautiful garden. Good food, good company and good weather made the event as pleasurable as ever.
Tickets & prizes
Exotic garden features
Social moments
Fabulous food
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Summer Open Greenhouses July 29th – Debb Ward, Joe Chow and Cat Frutiger provided an interesting variety in growing spaces and situations. Debb has a large, fairly traditional greenhouse, Cat has a small greenhouse which is a much warmer than most growers can maintain, and Joe Chow has both a small intermediate greenhouse and a lot of outdoor orchid spaces. See below:
August 26th Leda’s
Patrick’s
Poul’s
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Judging news:
Please note that all awards are considered provisional until paperwork and payment is processed by AOS and published in Orchid Plus.
Abu Saleh At the AOS Western Canada Judging Center’s judging at the Foothills Orchid Society Show on June 2, 2018, the following AOS awards were granted:
Show Trophy (display) ‘Classic Forever’ ST/AOS 80pts Exhibitor: Foothills Orchid Society
Cypripedium Monto ‘Barb’s Good Buy’ HCC/AOS 75pts (Cypripedium macranthos var. hotei-atsumorianum x Cypripedium fasciolatum) Exhibitor: Barbara Podmore
Cypripedium Victoria ‘Secret’ HCC/AOS 78pts (Cypripedium parviflorum var. pubescens x Cypripedium fasciolatum) Exhibitor: Shawn Hillis | Garden Slippers
Cypripedium x ventricosum hort. var. Goldschuh ‘Midas’ CHM/AOS 80pts) Exhibitor: Shawn Hillis | Garden Slippers * award provisional pending species identification
Photographer Doug Savage
We had our semi-annual business meeting on June 9.
Congratulations to Margaret Prat on your promotion to Accredited Judge, Sasha Kubicek on joining the AOS Judging program, and Russ Volker on your retirement from AOS Judging. (Personnel changes will be made official at the Fall AOS Members meeting when the JC meets).
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At the AOS Western Canada Judging Center’s monthly judging on June 9, 2018, the following AOS awards were granted:
Lepanthes estrellensis ‘Monkey’s Butterfly’ CBR/AOS Exhibitor: Abu Salleh * award provisional pending species identification
Lepanthes maxillaris ‘Monkey’s Tron’ CBR/AOS Exhibitor: Abu Salleh * award provisional pending species identification
Photographer Judith Higham
At the AOS Western Canada Judging Center’s monthly judging on July 14, 2018, the following AOS awards were granted:
Miltoniopsis Les Dirouilles ‘Lone Survivor’ AM/AOS 80pts (Mps. Five Oaks x Mps. Portelet) Exhibitor: Poul Hansen
Miltoniopsis vexillaria f. Carolina ‘Summer’s Edge’ HCC/AOS 79pts Exhibitor: Poul Hansen
Phalaenopsis honghenensis ‘Evguenia’ CHM/AOS 81pts Exhibitor: Alexey Tretyakov * award provisional pending species identification
Photographer Alexey Tretyakov
At the AOS Western Canada Judging Center’s monthly judging on August 11, 2018, the following AOS awards were granted:
Chiloschista usneoides ‘TG’s Hot One’ CCM/AOS 84pts Exhibitor: Calvin Wong | Tropical Gardens Orchids
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Dendrobium Hibiki ‘TG’s Lava Bouquet’ CCM/AOS 85pts Exhibitor: Calvin Wong | Tropical Gardens Orchids
Photographs by Judith Higham
Next two monthly meetings: September 8, 2018 : 11:30am at Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary, 3873 Swan Lake Road, Victoria BC October 27, 2018 : 2:00pm, after Fraser Valley Orchid Society Show Judging, George Preston Rec Centre, 20699 – 42 Ave., Langley BC
Victoria Orchid Society Minutes of General Meeting June 25, 2018
The General Meeting of June 25, 2018 was held at the Gordon Head United Church Hall. President John Taylor called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. There were no guests or new members. John asked Sasha Kubicek to present the Show Table.
Secretary’s Report: Leda Bower moved and Sasha Kubicek seconded that the minutes of the May General meeting be approved as published in the newsletter. Masd. Teipels Coppertri
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Treasurer’s Report: Jill Livesey presented her financial report for the month of May, 2018 and moved for acceptance, seconded by Diana Rowles. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY Other Reports: AOS: John reported that the next judging will be at Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary on July 14th. Bring your plants before 11:30 a.m. COC: Sasha reported that the COC matched our $500 donation from the Spring Show for the Conservation Fund. Library: Ian reported that he will be stepping down from this position as of now. He said that members who wish to keep a book over the summer months, must renew their membership tonight. Membership: Kathryn reported there are 88 members and 20 members have renewed their membership for next year. Plant Orders: Sasha reported that H&R will be coming in September and pre-ordering still needs to be worked out. In October Wenqing Perner will also bring plants with ordering to be worked out. Plant Sales: Jill and Astrid are filling in for Coreen and Rick. Lots of nice plants for sale. Program: Rod re-affirmed H&R and Wenqing Perner will be here in the fall. Greenhouse tours are organized for July 29th and Aug 26th with further information to be emailed. Supply Table: Catherine has lots of supply material for sale on the table.
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Website: Melanie has taken over the Website from Blair Humphrey and she spoke of Squarespace site being affordable and good for our needs. An email will be coming out with further information. Social Media: Melanie has started an Instagram account for the Society.
New Business: Beverly Straub reported that she is organizing a trip to Paramount Orchids again this year. It will be in mid-September on a Saturday. She would like to hear from those interested in going and their choice on a restaurant for lunch.
Summer BBQ: will be on August 12, 2018 at Bryan Emery’s home. Kathryn Collins has tickets for sale tonight or let her know later how many tickets you want to buy.
Greenhouse tours: July 29th tours at the following: Joe Chow, Debb Ward, Catherine Frutiger. August 26th; Leda Bower, Poul Hansen, and Patrick van Adrichem
Program: John introduced Sasha Kubicek, who spoke on World Slipper Orchid Conference 2018 in Hilo, Hawaii. John thanked Sasha for his presentation.
Next Meeting: September 24, 2018 at Gordon Head United Church Hall.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Barbara Davies
Minutes of Annual General Meeting, June 25, 2018
The meeting of June 25, 2018 was held at the Gordon Head United Church Hall. President John Taylor called the meeting to order at 8:00 p.m. It was determined we had a quorum.
Secretary’s Report: MOTION: Melanie Norris/ Rod Crutcher moved and seconded that the minutes of the June, 2017 Annual General Meeting be approved and accepted as published.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Reports: Reports were prepared by the President, Secretary, and Treasurer and are attached to the minutes. The President’s report and the Secretary’s reports were read. Auditor’s Report: Jill Livesey prepared the financial report for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2018 and read the details to the members. She will arrange to have the report audited.
Election of Officers: Conducted by Rod Crutcher. The following slate of nominees was presented: President John Taylor Directors: Alida Bower, Deborah Ward Vice President Diana Rowles Poul Hansen, Melanie Norris Secretary Barbara Davies Sasha Kubicek, Catherine Frutiger Treasurer Jill Livesey Astrid Firley-Eaton, Rodney Crutcher
Rod called for the nominations from the floor after announcing the candidates. No further nominations were forthcoming, so all were elected by acclamation.
Adjournment: The President adjourned the meeting at 8:15 p.m.
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Respectfully Submitted, Barbara Davies
Society Information Meetings are held at the Gordon Head United Church Hall, 4201 Tyndall Avenue, Victoria, B.C. on the fourth Monday of the month. Members are encouraged to bring their orchids in bloom to display on the show table.
Guest speakers are engaged for these meetings and often, speakers bring plants for sale. There is also a sales table where plants brought in by members may be purchased. There is often a pre-meeting, basic workshop from 6:45 – 7:30 p.m. Plant sales begin at 7:15 p.m. and the meeting runs from 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Membership fees are $25.00 for individuals, $35.00 for households. The Society membership year runs from September to September, but meetings are not held in July Phragmipedium Joan and August. Name tags are available for $9.00, magnetized tags are $11.00. Montmorency
Coffee and tea are available for $1.00 at the meeting and goodies are provided by members in rotation, based upon the initial letter of their last names. Goodies are requested from those with last names beginning with N, O & R for the September meeting.
The Victoria Orchid Society Newsletter is published monthly, around the 15th of each month, excepting December, July and August. Newsletters will be sent by email to members with email access. Email addresses will be blind copied. Upon request, copies of the newsletter may be picked up at meetings for those not wishing to print off their copy at home.
Advertising, in the newsletter, is free of charge to members in good standing: $2.00 per business card size ad per month to a member owned business ($15.00 per fiscal year), $5.00 per month to non-member businesses ($40.00 per fiscal year). Businesses may also advertise on the Victoria Orchid Society web site Classifieds page for the same costs.
The Society’s mailing Address is 195 Maddock Avenue West, Victoria, B.C. V9A 1G5.
Officers: Directors:
President John Taylor Astrid Firley-Eaton Past President Ingrid Ostrander Catherine Frutiger Vice-president Diana Rowles Alida Bower Secretary Barbara Davies Rodney Crutcher Treasurer Jill Livesey Melanie Norris Sasha Kubicek Newsletter Editor: Diana Rowles Debb Ward Web Master: Melanie Norris Poul Hanson Proofreader: Joe Chow Librarian: Membership: Kathryn Collins
Spring Show Chairs: Barb Davies/Alida Bower Programs Chair: Rodney Crutcher Epidendrum Joseph Lii ‘Kultana’ RemindersIn emergencies, & Opportunitie call John Taylor ats (250) 250 479-0146.
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Membership renewal: If you have not paid your membership fee for 2018/19, please see Kathryn Collins at the September meeting. It makes our record keeping so much easier if we get all the updates done in the first month or so.
Librarian Wanted: Remember that we are also looking for a Librarian to replace Ian Nugent, who has filled that role for the last two years and done a great job of organizing and cataloguing our books. It is in good shape for anyone to take over, without stress.
Donation of plants for the Prize Draw table. The prize draw is an important feature of our meetings. Recently, very few people have brought in their extra divisions for this purpose. Please check your collections for plants that you could donate to the table. It makes a big difference to the meeting.
September 22nd trip to Paramount Orchids. The trip to Paramount is still in the works and more information will be coming out after September 16th. Watch for it if you are interested in joining the group.
Classifieds
email: [email protected] [email protected] m
www:kingfisherorchids.ca
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What’s in bloom in the Muttart Orchid Collection
This month features four new genera to this column and illustrates the choices that are available if you are willing to try something different. They are all compact and easy to grow in the home.
Aspasia lunata
There are 7 species in this genus listed in the Plant List. They range from Guatemala to Brazil and are found as epiphytes or, occasionally lithophytes, in lowland tropical forests under 1000 meters. The genus name is derived from the Greek meaning – charming.
This species is commonly known as the “The Moon-Shaped Aspasia” and can be found in the cooler mountain areas, often growing on trees overhanging rivers, in the southeastern States of Brazil.
After flowering, a short 1 to 2-month rest is beneficial, resume watering and fertilizer with the onset of new growth. It flowers best if given very cramped quarters in a small pot.
Bifrenaria tetragona
There are 22 species in this genus listed in the Plant List with a further six listed as unresolved. Most are native to Brazil and are warm to cool growing plants that require partial shade with humid, well-watered and fertilized conditions while growing, but less after the pseudobulbs are mature.
The genus name refers to the 4 pollina that sit separated on 2 stems.
This species, commonly known as “The Rectangular Bulbed Bifrenaria” is found in the coastal Atlantic forest, in the southeast area of Brazil in montane rainforests at elevations of 300 to 1200 meters. In the wild it grows in open spaces, usually on rocks and blooms in the spring and summer. The inflorescence, arising on a newly matured pseudobulb, carries waxy, long-lasting flowers.
However, the flowers have a strong scent of rotten meat and it is probably not one you would use for house decoration.
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Bifrenaria vitellina
Commonly referred to as “The York Yellow Bifrenaria’ this warm to cool growing epiphytic species is found in south central, coastal Brazil in montane rainforests at elevations of 600 to 1200 meters.
It requires moderate bright light, and ample water and fertilizer while growing, but less in the winter until the new growths arise in the spring.
The flowers are about 1” across, brilliant yellow and carry a pleasant fragrance.
Maxillaria grandiflora
One of the larger orchid genus, it is composed of some 650 species, which are spread throughout the tropical and sub-tropical Americas at elevations of sea level to 3500 meters and found as epiphytes, terrestrials and lithophytes.
The genus name is derived from the Latin word maxilla, meaning jawbone, reflecting on the column and the base of the lip of some species. This feature may evoke a protruding jaw.
The common name for this species is “The Large-Flowered Maxillaria” reflecting the 4 inch flower size.
It grows on steep slopes in wet cloud forests and can be found in Colombia, Ecuador Peru, Bolivia, Brazil and Venezuela.
Maxillaria rufescens
The “Light Fox Red” Maxillaria is native to Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Venezuela, the Guianas, and Trinidad.
It grows on trees in regions with very wet forests.
The plant can be grown in a fine bark medium, in cool to warm conditions with medium amounts of light. Water regularly and keep mix moist but not wet. Plants require semi-dry rest through the winter month.
It blooms at any time of the year with a single 3 to 4 cm fragrant flower. Flowers are vanilla scented.
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Zygopetalum Helen Ku
The 15 species that make up this genus are spread through Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Bolivia and Peru, growing epiphytically in a humid semi-shady environments.
This orchid's generic name, derived from the Greek word zygon, means "yoked petal". It refers to the yoke-like growth at the base of the lip caused by the fusion of petals and the sepals.
They make excellent cut flowers, often with a strong pleasant fragrance.
This specimen is a man-made hybrid resulting from crossing Zygopetalum maxillare and Zygopetalum Blackie.
Zygopetalum maculatum (intermedia)
The “In Between” Zygopetalum can be found in Brazil, Bolivia, and Peru. Plants are found mostly in the cooler regions growing on the surfaces of the ground on grassy hillsides.
The flowers are long lasting and very fragrant and is used as one of the base species in many Zygopetalum hybrids.
Sources for all of the above are Charles Baker OrchidWiz Jay Pfahl's IOSPE at www.orchidspecies.com Wikepedies The Plant List Photographs by Doug Bovee / Dave Nixon.
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